We went to view Des Moines’ tribute to the lives lost on 9.11.01 – The Healing Field. A flag for each person was raised and a yellow ribbon with the name, age, and location of each person that died that day was attached. Michael suggested we go – it really hit him, seeing all these flags filling a field. Funny how two people can have completely different reactions to an event like a terrorist attack: grief, fear, and anger seem most prevalent, regardless of political affiliation. Things like “how could they?” and “will it happen again?” and “what will the world be like when our kids grow up?” are things we talk about.

So many emotions, even five years later. Patriotism. Love. Hate. Grief. Fear. Resolve. Compassion. Exasperation. Apathy.

Before bed, Michael said to me, “Just remember this: it was for freedom that we have been set free.” Seems like more people need to know that. The whole world needs to know that. Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Jews, Christians. Not in our heads, but in our hearts.

entertaining banter there between sisters to an outsider such as myself… singing the national anthem in front of your house eh? that is a whole other level of patriotism right there. raised in the heartland. you lutterman’s are good stock! 🙂

I concur with Evie… great picture of rhys.

Nate and I discuss the same things… what will Isaac & Rhys’s world be like in 20 years…. Hmmm. Michael had a good word there – for freedom.

yeah. my dad is a whole other level of patriot / husker fan. 🙂 if you were to ever drive by our house on the 4th of July, Memorial Day, or Flag Day, you would have seen 3 annoyed kids reciting the pledge and singing “My Country Tis Of Thee” out front first thing in the morning as we hung the flag. pretty embarrassing when you’re a teenager! my poor dad, he was doing his part to raise 3 more proud americans. 🙂